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The 5 Languages of Appreciation at your Organisation

by | Sep 29, 2022

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When you show appreciation to your co-workers, you create a positive work environment that helps everyone feel good about their contributions. Simply put, people like to feel appreciated. 

Showing appreciation can also help to build team morale and foster a sense of cooperation. Expressing gratitude can help to reduce workplace stress and promote overall well-being. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s more important than ever to take a moment to appreciate the people we work with. A simple action can go a long way towards making someone’s day – and making your workplace a more positive place.

But how should you be showing appreciation? Well just like how everyone has different Thinking Styles™, everyone has different ways they like to be appreciated. 

5 Languages of Appreciation

The 5 languages of appreciation have been originally adopted and altered from the famous 5 love languages. The 5 love languages are the way partners like to show and receive love. The 5 languages of appreciation have been changed to be more relevant and appropriate for the workplace. So, what are the 5 languages of appreciation?

Acts of service

When it comes to the workplace, acts of service means making an effort to help out your coworkers however you can. This could be grabbing them a cup of coffee, offering to help with their project, or just pitching in whenever they need an extra set of hands. 

By going out of your way to lend a helping hand, you’re showing your coworkers that you care about them and are willing to do what it takes to help the team succeed. Acts of service are particularly well received by the types of thinkers who prefer Analytical and Practical types of thinking on the HBDI®.

Quality time

This love language is all about focused attention and being present in the moment. It means making time for meaningful conversations, really listening to what others have to say, and being fully engaged in team projects. If your colleagues tend to show their love language of quality time in the workplace, it’s important to be responsive and make time for them. 

This doesn’t mean you have to spend hours chatting with them every day, but it does mean being present and focused when you are interacting with them, it can be as easy as setting up a recurring 1:1 check-in with them. By showing that you value their time and attention, you can create a stronger, more supportive team. Quality time is particularly well received by the types of thinkers who prefer Practical and Relational types of thinking on the HBDI®.

Words of affirmation

Words of affirmation refer to the act of expressing appreciation and support for someone. This can be done through verbal compliments or written notes of thanks. In the workplace, showing appreciation for colleagues can help to create a positive and supportive environment. It can also make people feel more motivated and engaged with their work. 

When used effectively, words of affirmation can be a powerful tool for building positive relationships and promoting teamwork. However, it is important to avoid empty flattery or insincere compliments. The key is to focus on specific actions or accomplishments that you genuinely appreciate. Words of affirmation are particularly well received by the types of thinkers who prefer Experimental and Relational types of thinking on the HBDI®.

Tangible gifts

This language of appreciation is all about giving and receiving physical gifts as a way to show appreciation and love. Some ideas of tangible gifts that you could give at work include a nice pen or notebook, tickets to a concert or play, a gift certificate to their favourite restaurant, or a plant for their desk.

Taking the time to choose a thoughtful gift can go a long way in showing your colleagues that you care about them. While all tangible gifts are well received by all thinkers depending on the selection of a suitable gift, tangible gifts are particularly well received by the types of thinkers who prefer Experimental and Analytical types of thinking on the HBDI®.

(Work appropriate) Physical touch

One love language that is often forgotten in the workplace is physical touch. Whether it’s a high five after a successful presentation or a pat on the back for a job well done, physical touch can be a powerful way to show appreciation. 

It doesn’t have to be awkward – a simple fist bump or high five can go a long way. When used sparingly, physical touch can help build rapport and create a more positive working environment. Physical touch is particularly well received by the types of thinkers who prefer Relational thinking on the HBDI®.

What should you do when you don’t feel appreciated at work?

Talk to your boss directly

If you feel like you’re not being appreciated at work, it’s important to talk to your boss directly. This can be a difficult conversation to have, but it’s important to communicate your feelings and try to come up with a solution together.

Ask for feedback

One way to ensure that you are being appreciated at work is by asking for feedback from your boss or other colleagues. This will help you understand what areas you need to improve in and what areas you’re excelling in.

Be positive

It’s important to maintain a positive attitude at work, even if you’re feeling underappreciated. This will show your boss that you’re still motivated and enthusiastic about your job, and it will make it more likely that they’ll start appreciating you more.

Keep a written record

If you feel like your boss is constantly taking credit for your work, keep a written record of all the tasks you complete and the successes you achieve. This will help you prove your worth when it comes time for reviews or promotions.

Talk to HR

If you’ve tried everything else and you still don’t feel appreciated at work, it may be time to talk to HR. They can help mediate conversations between you and your boss, and they may be able to offer additional resources or support.

If you want to learn more about how Whole Brain® Thinking and the HBDI® can help you and your organisation, have a look at how it works here or get in touch and we’ll help you find the right solution.

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